Dedicated to driving innovative and practical solutions in responsible tourism, Angela has contributed to sector development and sustainability initiatives across more than 10 African countries. She serves on the Executive Committee of Ecotourism Kenya among other boards, supporting policy development, standards, and industry transformation. With over 18 years of experience, she brings expertise in operations, product development, market systems strategy, sustainability integration, and destination competitiveness. Angela is a certified sustainability auditor and remains deeply committed to advancing inclusive, resilient, and sustainable tourism models that address the sector’s pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges.
Boasting over 27 years of invaluable expertise in the tourism industry, in tourism product development, green festivals, hotel pre-opening services, and marketing, Charity has an extensive network among policy makers and stakeholders in the hospitality industry across East African partner states. Charity is a seasoned specialist dedicated to advancing eco-friendly practices and fostering growth in the tourism sector.
Joy joined The Long Run in 2017 and plays a central role in strengthening its global community. Joy leads The Long Run’s East Africa regional hub, driving strategy, partnerships, and impact while connecting our global vision with local action across the region. She supports and guides members on their 4Cs (Conservation, Community, Culture, Commerce) technical journeys, creates spaces for collaboration and learning, strengthens storytelling and visibility for the region, and cultivates partnerships that expand The Long Run’s collective influence. In addition, she supports the team by ensuring the organisation runs smoothly behind the scenes, maintaining strong systems, processes, and operational rhythms, and leading communication around membership renewals. At its core, Joy’s role is about building a connected, values-driven movement and helping transform tourism into a powerful force for nature, people, and long-term resilience. Joy holds a degree in Communications, and before joining The Long Run, she worked with The Safari Collection owners of The Long Run members of Sasaab and Sala’s Camp. She is passionate about the transformative power of sustainability and its ability to create lasting positive change. Through her work with members, she has seen how exchange, learning, and partnership can spark collective action toward a better world.
Judy has over 20 years’ experience working in sustainable tourism in the continent and beyond. As a thought leader in community integration in tourism, pro-poor tourism and all matters, inclusion, equity and diversity, Judy has been instrumental in driving sustainability debates and dialogues in the continent leading to transformation in practice, and piloting of tools and system to support sustainability. Overall interests include systems of appreciation and incorporation of host/resident communities in tourism, systems of community integration in the tourism value chain, authenticity in culture and heritage, storytelling, community assets valuation, and accelerating the integration of SMMEs into the tourism value chain.
Kalinda originally started as a support judge on the awards, a role she played for the past two years.
Six years of insights into tourism and community development at the Time and Tide Foundation, Kalinda started as a Program Officer and later became a Monitoring and Evaluation Manager – a role she now plays at Global Sojourns Giving Circle alongside coordinating the scholarship program. Kalinda draws on her South Luangwa National Park experiences and champions responsible tourism’s transformative impact believing in preserving natural and cultural resources for future generations. Holding degrees in Special Education, Clinical Neuropsychology, and a master’s certificate in Business Administration, Kalinda’s advocacy extends to girls’ education and empowerment.
Leah originally started as a support judge on the awards, a role she played for the past two years.
Leah is a purpose-driven youth development and sustainability professional with over 10 years of experience across conservation, environmental education, and programme coordination. She is passionate about creating learning environments that equip young people with the skills and confidence to engage meaningfully in complex social, environmental, and economic issues. Her expertise includes coordinating multi-stakeholder sustainability programmes, collaborating with students, universities, and industry partners to translate sustainability into practical action. With a background in Environmental Management and a strong commitment to inclusive participation, Leah particularly focuses on ensuring young people are integrated as active contributors to shaping industries – not merely as beneficiaries of change.
Between the Netherlands and Tanzania, Samantha specialises in bridging global sustainability standards with African operational realities. With a tourism background, she guides accommodations and operators from baseline assessments to sustainability certification through her consultancy and by supporting leading schemes. Samantha excels at turning sustainability into a business advantage while ensuring collective impact. Inspired by the African sector’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, she believes sustainability should be the default business model: a powerful engine for environmental preservation, social empowerment, and economic equity, allowing the positive impact of tourism to truly shine.
Zintle originally started as a support judge on the awards, a role she played for the past two years.
Zintle is a destination marketing professional passionate about telling Africa’s stories through travel. Her work focuses on connecting visitors with the people, places, and cultures that make the continent unique; bringing to life its richness and authenticity. While also championing tourism as a force for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and cultural pride. She holds a qualification in Geography & Environmental Studies as well as Tourism, from the University of the Western Cape, and currently serves as the Marketing Executive for PR & Digital at Singita. Deeply inspired by Africa and its people, and a proud African herself, Zintle believes that tourism can be a powerful driver of positive change; supporting resilient local communities, sustaining natural ecosystems, and creating opportunities for connection.
A graduate in International Development and Politics, Kelvin works in the hospitality industry. He is part of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project and has experience in sales, corporate training, tourism and hospitality, and research. With a deep interest in responsible tourism, Kelvin believes that travel should benefit both the visitor and the host community in promoting cultural exchange, environmental sustainability, and economic equity, as well as preserving cultural heritage.
A specialist philanthropic narrator, Xolani is dedicated to the values of Responsible and Fair Trade Tourism and has for the past 12 years worked as a Travel Guide and Assistant administrator for Uthando South Africa. Through storytelling, Xolani communicates South Africa’s narrative, a story of resilience and humility, that provides travellers with an in-depth knowledge and understanding. Growing up in both the rural and urban environment, he developed a deep love for community empowerment and development, calling his dedication a Labour of Love. Xolani studied Political Science at the Walter Sisulu University (formerly the University of Transkei, holds a Higher Diploma in Education, Training and Development, as well as an Advanced Diploma in the same discipline from the University of the Western Cape. Xolani holds numerous certificates in Tourism, Community Development and Leadership.
